Danielle's Declarations 2012: National Champion

Danielle's Declarations presented by STX wraps up today with the prediction for the 2012 national champion.

Danielle's Declarations, inspired by last June's Dani Awards, takes a look at the preseason favorites in various categories. For the last four days, I've made a series of predictions for the 2012 season ranging from player of the year and national champion predictions to sleeper picks to watch throughout the spring.

It only seemed natural to save the 2012 national champion for last. Once again, I believe the race for the title goes through Northwestern and Maryland. And while I'm on this topic, I would like to throw out there that I think it would be really great if these two teams met in the regular season. I saw them play each other at the Play for Parkinson's Tournament in the fall and it was one of the best matchups of the day, full of tough, physical play and a ton of energy from both sides. These two teams bring out the best play in each other and what lacrosse fan wouldn't want to see that at some point in the regular season?

That being said, I really think it's one of these two teams who will win it all this year — I know, really going out on a limb with that prediction. Both of these teams just have so much talent, athleticism and depth, that I think it's going to be tough for anyone to challenge them for the title. Since this is Danielle's Declarations, I will have to choose one:

Northwestern will win the 2012 national championship.

It's hard to not go with the team that is the defending champion who is also returning almost every starter from the team that took them there. Shannon Smith is an unstoppable force for their attack, but their potency on the offensive end certainly doesn't end there. Kelly Rich and Kara Mupo on attack combined with a stacked midfield that includes Erin Fitzgerald, Amanda Macaluso and Jessica Russo are all players who can score at will.

The Wildcats have two of the best defenders in Division I with Taylor Thornton, who can also spark transition, and Lacey Vigmostad, who led the 'Cats last season with 26 caused turnovers. Northwestern gets even more depth with the addition of the No. 7 recruiting class, some of whom will make an impact this season.

Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller's ability to make changes on the fly keeps her players fresh and other teams constantly on their toes. The Wildcats are the team to beat for this year's title.